Recent changes in NCERT textbooks: Express View on NCERT revisions: Narrowing the view

Source: The post recent changes in NCERT textbooks has been created, based on the article “Express View on NCERT revisions: Narrowing the view” published in “Indian express” on 8th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education,

News: This article discusses recent changes in Indian school textbooks by NCERT. These changes overlook important topics like recent research, social media’s impact, and climate politics. Instead, they seem to align with the current government’s views, avoiding sensitive historical and social issues.

What are the recent changes in NCERT textbooks?

NCERT Textbook Revisions: The textbooks for history, sociology, and political science from classes VI to XII have been revised.

Previous Deletions from Textbooks: Earlier, important sections on Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, the Emergency, Gujarat 2002, and protest movements were removed.

Sociology Textbook Changes: References to the struggles of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, and the impact of large dam projects on tribal groups, were deleted.

What are the criticisms of these changes?

Ignoring Latest Research: The revisions don’t adequately incorporate new archaeological findings or historiography, especially regarding the Indus Valley Civilization.

Overlooking Important Topics: Significant issues, such as the exclusion of key areas like India’s Northeast region and insufficient coverage of the role of social media in politics and climate change politics, are not adequately addressed.

Promoting a Political Narrative: Critics argue the revisions align with the current government’s perspective, potentially skewing historical and social narratives.

Contradiction to Educational Policy: These changes are seen as conflicting with the National Education Policy’s aim for an ideologically neutral and comprehensive education.

Way forward

To foster a robust education system, NCERT must update textbooks with the latest research, incorporating recent historiography and political developments, like social media’s role in mobilization. The focus should be on promoting objectivity, recognizing social complexities, and ensuring inclusivity of all historical and political perspectives, avoiding any bias or political agenda.

Question for practice:

Discuss the recent changes in Indian school textbooks by NCERT and the criticisms surrounding these revisions.